Advisory group for art shows is reinstated

WASHINGTON, March 1 (UPI) -- The National Endowment for the Arts and the State Department are reinstating a panel to recommend artists to represent the nation at international exhibits.

Dana Gioia, the endowment's chairman, said such an advisory committee existed for 15 years before it was disbanded in 2003 when the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Rockefeller Foundation withdrew their support. The foundations said at the time they were refocusing their grant programs.

"It's important that his process be open, transparent, and well understood," Gioia said. "We have to have a more ambitious American presence for the arts worldwide."

Gioia said the new committee will consist of nine members selected from the ranks of museum directors and curators, artists, and specialists in American contemporary art.

Already selected to represent the U.S. at the Venice Biennale in June is California artist Ed Ruscha. He was selected by an ad hoc committee of museum directors and curators last October.